Air Force Academy expels 5 for "spice" drug

"DENVER -- Five Air Force Academy cadets have been expelled and another 25 are under investigation for using the drug "spice," a synthetic substance that mimics the effects of marijuana, academy officials said Friday.
The announcement by the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., comes days after the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., expelled seven midshipmen for the use of spice.
Spice, also known as K2, and other synthetic manijuana products are marketed and sold as incense, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers."

It is even more disappointing when you consider that there are at least ten to fifteen THOUSAND other kids who would give their right arm for the opportunity that these five "spice" cadets once enjoyed.

It is even more disappointing when you consider that there are at least ten to fifteen THOUSAND other kids who would give their right arm for the opportunity that these five "spice" cadets once enjoyed.

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True. But even some of them would have been expelled for one reason or another because of reckless or foolish behavior. These are young brains we're dealing with. The portion of the brain comprising the frontal lobes is the executive control center of the brain, responsible for weighing consequences and risks, and tempering or resisting impulsive behaviors. It is also the last portion of the brain to mature. It doesn't fully mature until about age 25. That doesn't mean these cadets aren't responsible for their misconduct. They are. But they are not the first and will certainly not be the last bright, accomplished young adults to make a dumb, dumb mistake. So sad.

True. But even some of them would have been expelled for one reason or another because of reckless or foolish behavior. These are young brains we're dealing with. The portion of the brain comprising the frontal lobes is the executive control center of the brain, responsible for weighing consequences and risks, and tempering or resisting impulsive behaviors. It is also the last portion of the brain to mature. It doesn't fully mature until about age 25. That doesn't mean these cadets aren't responsible for their misconduct. They are. But they are not the first and will certainly not be the last bright, accomplished young adults to make a dumb, dumb mistake. So sad.

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If somebody is going to do drugs, why bother even applying? If I had an officer who did that and I knew, I sure wouldn’t want to be the one next to him in battle.

I would like to know if this was a simple administrative action or UCMJ action? I'm "guessing" it was administrative and if so, then these former cadets need to find a church to thank God that's all they got.

Out in "the field" I have seen airmen facing a court for this. And they face everything including a Dishonorable Discharge.

In fact, here's the print of the AF announcement about "SPICE" and consequences, as issued last summer:
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Air Force officials ban use and possession of spice, mood-altering substances

6/17/2010 - WASHINGTON -- Air Force officials issued guidance banning the knowing use and possession of any substance, other than alcohol or tobacco, that is ingested to alter mood or function.

On June 8, the Air Force published an Air Force guidance memorandum revising Air Force Instruction 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, said Lt. Col. Elizabeth L. Schuchs-Gopaul, a judge advocate with the Air Force Judge Advocate General Action Group.

The revised language makes punitive the prohibition in the current Air Force Instruction regarding the ingestion of any substance, other than alcohol or tobacco, for the purpose of altering mood or function. The possession of any intoxicating substance, if done with the intent to use in a manner that would alter mood or function, is also prohibited, she said.

Colonel Schuchs-Gopaul said the new AFI provisions are punitive. Violators will be punishable as violations of a lawful general regulation under Article 92 of the UCMJ.

"This revision is an addition to the already existing tools used by commanders to address the abuse of otherwise lawful substances such as salvia, inhalants, propellants, solvents, household chemicals, and others substances used for 'huffing,'" Colonel Schuchs-Gopaul said.

Violating this new punitive memorandum is punishable by a dishonorable discharge, confinement for two years, total forfeiture of all pay and allowances, the colonel said. Enlisted members also face reduction to the lowest enlisted grade.
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With this being the case, they could have been court martialed and they can face a dismissal from the service. In the "real world" that is a federal felony.

Stupid, plain stupid. And yes, I saw LOTS of "stupid" while I was a cadet; I lost my first semester roommate to something similar to this, it wasn't "spice" it was "weed."

The revised language makes punitive the prohibition in the current Air Force Instruction regarding the ingestion of any substance, other than alcohol or tobacco, for the purpose of altering mood or function. The possession of any intoxicating substance, if done with the intent to use in a manner that would alter mood or function, is also prohibited, she said.

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Good thing I didn't go AF. I would be kicked out. I'm no good without my morning coffee.

True. But even some of them would have been expelled for one reason or another because of reckless or foolish behavior. These are young brains we're dealing with. The portion of the brain comprising the frontal lobes is the executive control center of the brain, responsible for weighing consequences and risks, and tempering or resisting impulsive behaviors. It is also the last portion of the brain to mature. It doesn't fully mature until about age 25. That doesn't mean these cadets aren't responsible for their misconduct. They are. But they are not the first and will certainly not be the last bright, accomplished young adults to make a dumb, dumb mistake. So sad.

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I disagree...because of the fact that they are in our military and being educated at one of the best commissioning sources in our country gives them no excuse. I think as servicemen, especially as cadets, we should all be held to a higher standard than other peers because we will be responsible for peoples' lives in the near future. There are plenty of successful people out there who will lead lives without making a single mistake that gets them in legal trouble. It almost sounds as if you're condoning the fact that young adults will make mistakes. Sure, nobody's perfect, and the admissions committee isn't either, so people who really shouldn't be at an SA will sometimes be there. And personally, I believe mistakes concerning drugs and the police should never, ever be made by people who are serious about the military and their lives. I don't think there is any excuse they can come up with and like above post, it is a terrible waste.